Amid growing concerns within the esports industry, recent developments have shaken one of its well-known media outlets. TheScore esports, a significant player in esports coverage, has undergone substantial staff reductions. Reports suggest that this move has left many questioning the future of theScore esports and its parent company, PENN Entertainment.
Esports outlet theScore esports has suffered drastic layoffs, as reported by several former employees on social media. The news has created uncertainty within the esports community surrounding its parent company, PENN Entertainment, and the future of theScore esports as a whole. While a concrete number has yet to be confirmed, more than a dozen former employees have already announced the conclusion of their time at theScore’s esports division. According to these social media posts, the layoffs have affected hosts, editors, writers, and producers, some of whom had been with the organisation for a decade. “After 10 amazing years, today is my last day at theScore esports,” shared Sean Wetselaar, former Manager of Esports Content and Scripts at theScore esports. “Our parent company made the decision to eliminate my role along with a vast majority of the staff this morning. It’s been an amazing ride, and I’m so grateful for the career I’ve had.” Neither theScore nor PENN Entertainment have publicly commented on the layoffs so far. Moreover, with some claiming that the majority of theScore’s esports department could be affected, the future of one of esports’ oldest media outlets appears uncertain. As waves of layoffs continue to affect the industry, numerous members of the community have come forward to express sadness over today’s news and send support to the affected individuals.
Ten Years of Esports Content
In May 2015, theScore esports YouTube channel was created as an esports coverage and entertainment platform by sports media and betting company, Score Media and Gaming Inc. (theScore). Since 2021, theScore has been operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of gambling company PENN Entertainment. TheScore esports gained popularity among competitive gaming enthusiasts early on thanks to its well-produced esports documentaries. Many of its videos, including ‘The Story of Shroud: King of Reddit’ and ‘The Top 10 Dirtiest Cheaters in Esports Who Got Destroyed’, have reached millions of views. As video content consumption habits changed, theScore esports also expanded into short-form content as well as talkshow/podcast formats. Today, the media outlet amasses 2.4m YouTube subscribers and 2.1m followers on TikTok.